West Des Moines Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in West Des Moines, Iowa?
Arrest records in West Des Moines, Iowa are considered public information pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Open Records Law. This statute establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public with certain exceptions. The legislative intent behind this transparency is to ensure governmental accountability and to maintain public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The Iowa Open Records Law specifically addresses arrest records in §22.7, which outlines confidentiality provisions while still maintaining the general presumption of openness. Law enforcement agencies in West Des Moines are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain limitations may apply based on the status of the case, the age of the individual arrested, or if the record has been subject to expungement proceedings under Iowa Code §901C.
How to Look Up West Des Moines Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in West Des Moines as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may submit requests directly to the West Des Moines Police Department located at 250 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (515) 222-3320.
Dallas County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county authorities, records may be requested from the Dallas County Sheriff's Office at 201 Nile Kinnick Drive North, Adel, IA 50003. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (515) 993-4567.
Iowa Courts Online: The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains an electronic portal where case information, including arrest details, may be accessed. This system provides 24-hour access to public court records.
Polk County Clerk of Court: For arrests resulting in court proceedings in Polk County, records may be obtained from the Clerk of Court at 500 Mulberry Street, Room 212, Des Moines, IA 50309. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (515) 561-5718.
Iowa Department of Public Safety: State-level criminal history information, including arrest data, may be requested through the Division of Criminal Investigation at 215 East 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (515) 725-6066.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth when possible. Fees may apply for record retrieval and copying services in accordance with Iowa Code §22.3, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees reflecting the actual cost of providing the requested records.
Contents of a West Des Moines Arrest Record
West Des Moines arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the detention event and the individual involved. Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 661-82, these records generally include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases or nicknames, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), gender, race, and residential address of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location where the apprehension occurred, name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Iowa Code cited at the time of arrest, including whether charges are misdemeanors or felonies, and the classification level of each offense.
Booking Information: Fingerprints, booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), unique booking identification numbers, and property inventory taken during the intake process.
Case Processing Data: Court docket numbers, bail or bond amounts established, conditions of release if applicable, and scheduled court appearance dates.
Disposition Information: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction, and any sentence imposed.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly details pertaining to confidential informants, juvenile suspects (governed by Iowa Code §232.147), victims of certain crimes, or information that might compromise ongoing investigations as specified in Iowa Code §22.7(5).
Expungement of Arrest Records in West Des Moines
The State of Iowa provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Iowa Code §901C.2 establishes the criteria and procedures for this process in West Des Moines and throughout the state.
Eligibility requirements for expungement of arrest records include:
- The criminal charge must have been dismissed with prejudice or the defendant was acquitted.
- All court costs, fees, and other financial obligations ordered by the court must be paid in full.
- At least 180 days must have elapsed since the date of the dismissal or acquittal.
- The case must not have been dismissed due to the defendant being found incompetent to stand trial.
- The defendant must not have been found not guilty by reason of insanity.
For cases involving deferred judgments, Iowa Code §907.9 provides separate provisions for expungement after successful completion of probation. Additionally, certain simple misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement under Iowa Code §901C.3 if eight years have passed since discharge of the sentence.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court where the case was adjudicated. In West Des Moines, this would typically be filed with:
Iowa District Court for Polk County 500 Mulberry Street Des Moines, IA 50309 Telephone: (515) 561-5718
Or, for portions of West Des Moines located in Dallas County:
Iowa District Court for Dallas County 801 Court Street Adel, IA 50003 Telephone: (515) 993-5816
Upon granting of an expungement petition, the court will order all official records related to the arrest or criminal charge to be sealed. These records will no longer be accessible to the general public, though they may remain available to law enforcement agencies and court officials for specific purposes authorized by statute.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The court does not provide legal advice regarding eligibility or procedure for record expungement.
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